Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ArbiterXL]

I'm sure you guys get these all the time, but anywho here goes again.

I'm moving to Seoul in June to teach. I have a few questions.

1. Is having a DUI going to be a problem for me travelling or getting a job? Will I be able to get any job besides at a Hogwon?

2. What is the best way to get all the clothes I need over there? Can they be mailed some way?

3. Am I probably going to have to buy my ticket over and then be reimbursed, or will they buy it out right?

Thanks for any help!

[Newbie]

1. don't know
2. land mail is cheap, but slow. air mail is expensive. PACK BIG! 2 big ass bags busting at the seams. But if you ain't too big, don't worry. Lots of shopping here for small people.
3. you will have to pay and be reimbursed (9 times out of 10)

[Dev]

If you mail the clothes, make sure you identify them as "Used Clothes" on the customs label or you might be faced paying taxes.

Korea has heavy import taxes on clothes to protect its textile industries here.

[Fresh Prince]

1. The howgan I worked for didn't do a background check and I don't think that immigration did one either. Korean culture is different from the U.S. and drinking is viewed in a different way. It is not necessarily seen as a bad thing. It depends on the place that you worked though.

2. I'm not in Seoul so I can't help you with that one. Where I'm at there are no places that sell clothes for big westerners (or average westerners). Best to bring as much as you can. Pants, shirts, etc.

3. If you are teaching at a hogwan then they should be paying the airfare. If you are being reimbursed for the airfare, then why sign the contract before you fly to Korea? Just fly over and check out the place before signing the contract. The way the hogwans get foreign teachers is by paying for the airfare and having a contract signed before hand. If you have the cash to fly to Korea then I wouldn't sign a contract before hand. Come to Korea and check out the school and apartment. If it isn't OK then find another place.

[Pak Yu Man]

1. Is having a DUI going to be a problem for me travelling or getting a job? Will I be able to get any job besides at a Hogwon?


You'll fit it fine.

2. What is the best way to get all the clothes I need over there? Can they be mailed some way?

get one of those bags you can vaccuum. You can save a lot of space and weight if you get rid of al the air.

3. Am I probably going to have to buy my ticket over and then be reimbursed, or will they buy it out right?

depends on the school[/b]

[antoniothegreat]

[jeffkim1972]

I know people who have gotten drunk, drove their car, got pulled over, fought with the police officer, got thrown in jail, and then returned to work upon making bail or serving their month. That's in Korea of course, and everything just proceeds as if nothing happened.

Also, people that have been chased by police, fleeing on foot.. leaving their car knowing they were DUI if caught. (in Korea)

[i_teach_esl]

[RACETRAITOR]

I know this goes without saying, but stay the hell out of the driver's seat when you get here.